Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful dish that’s bursting with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors, then this Ground Orange Chicken is your new best friend. Imagine tender ground chicken nestled in a luscious orange sauce with just the right hint of heat and sweetness—it’s a melody of tastes that will surely leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Weeknight Delight: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
  • Explosive Flavors: The combination of orange marmalade and BBQ sauce creates a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet, elevating the whole dish to another level.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever you’re in the mood for.
  • Impressively Easy to Customise: Adjust the spice level to suit your palate, making it a family-friendly favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This fantastic Ground Orange Chicken recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the recipe’s bold, deep flavors. Let’s take a closer look at what’s needed.

  • 1 Tablespoon canola or olive oil: This ensures a smooth cooking process for the chicken, adding subtle richness.
  • 1 pound ground chicken: A lean, tasty protein that’s perfect for absorbing the sauce.
  • 1 cup orange marmalade: The star of the show, adding vibrant sweetness and a beautiful citrus zing.
  • ½ cup sweet BBQ sauce: Complements the marmalade with smoky notes, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm spice kick that pairs well with sweet elements.
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, (optional): Brings a touch of heat, customizable to your spice tolerance.
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nuttiness for texture contrast.
  • 2 sliced green onions, for garnish: Provides a fresh, peppery contrast that also looks appealing.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feeling creative or needing to tweak this Ground Orange Chicken for dietary reasons? No worries—this recipe is a chameleon and adapts to suit your needs. Here are some scrumptious variations to try out!

  • Low-Sugar Version: Swap out the regular orange marmalade and BBQ sauce for sugar-free alternatives to cut down on sweetness without losing flavor.
  • Vegan Twist: Substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based version.
  • Extra Spicy: Incorporate extra chili pepper flakes or even some sriracha for those who crave more heat.

How to Make Ground Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the vibrant orange marmalade with smoky BBQ sauce, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of red chili pepper flakes for a hint of fiery warmth. Stir these ingredients until you have a well-mixed, flavorful sauce and set it aside. This preparation ensures that your sauce is ready to infuse the chicken with mouthwatering goodness!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a smooth layer of canola or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to stir until the chicken is evenly crumbled and no longer pink. This process develops a wonderful texture, ready to soak up the incredible sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Pour the previously mixed marmalade sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and marry with the chicken perfectly. Just before serving, toss in the sesame seeds and remove from the heat.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Orange Chicken

  • Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer or add a touch of cornstarch dissolved in water.
  • Flavor Infusion: Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat for an even more flavorful experience.
  • Customized Heat: For a family-friendly version, serve the red chili flakes on the side so each person can adjust their own spice level.
  • Garnish Game: Freshly sliced green onions add not only a pop of color but also enhance the dish’s refreshing flavor.

How to Serve Ground Orange Chicken

Ground Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your lovely Ground Orange Chicken with a generous sprinkling of sliced green onions. They add a touch of freshness and brightness that beautifully contrasts with the rich, flavorful sauce. Want to impress? A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews enhances both texture and taste!

Side Dishes

This dish goes brilliantly over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice, absorbing the sauce wonderfully. Steamed broccoli or snap peas are excellent companions, adding color and crunchy freshness to balance the sweet and tangy themes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Ground Orange Chicken in a large, shallow bowl for a family-style dinner that’s both inviting and informal. For a fun twist, serve in lettuce wraps for an easy, hand-held meal option that encourages customization.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and the chicken retains its delicious texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the Ground Orange Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Ground Orange Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce back to its luscious consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or even finely chopped chicken breast can substitute for ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option. They will both absorb the flavors beautifully.

  2. What can I use instead of orange marmalade?

    If orange marmalade isn’t available, you could use apricot preserves or peach jam for a different, yet still delicious, fruit flavor.

  3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

    Simply ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and replace any soy sauce you might add with tamari or coconut aminos if needed.

  4. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

    Yes! Substitute ground chicken with firm tofu or use a plant-based ground meat substitute to create a satisfying vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Ground Orange Chicken recipe with you has been a joy! I hope it becomes a much-loved addition to your meal routine. With its ease and incredible flavor, I encourage you to make it soon and bask in the delicious satisfaction it brings. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

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Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Ground Orange Chicken recipe combines savory ground chicken with a sweet and tangy orange marmalade glaze, accented by a hint of spice and sesame seeds. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers a flavorful twist on classic takeout dishes, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner served over rice or in lettuce wraps.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 Tablespoon canola or olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken

Sauces and Flavorings

  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/2 cup sweet BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2 sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, ground ginger, and red chili pepper flakes until well combined. Set the mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until the chicken is crumbled and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add the sauce: Stir the prepared marmalade mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
  4. Finish and serve: Stir in the sesame seeds, remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over cooked rice or in lettuce wraps for a delicious, quick meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce and marmalade are gluten-free.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle additional sesame seeds or chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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